Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Amazing! - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By jim - December 18 - 2:13 pm

  My ratings are based on this trucks performance in its best days. 4cyl, 4 spd, basic model. Sadly, at 310,000 miles its begining to decline. I bought it with 4500 miles and since then all thats been replaced other than the usual things is the starter - NOTHING ELSE! Clutch began to slip at 290,000; AC broke at 295,000 but thats it! Im having to downshift a lot to get it up hills but its been a phenomenal vehicle. I just sold an 03 fully equipped 4wd CrewCab Tacoma with almost 100k that looked and performed like new. Sad to see it go but I didnt need a fancy commuter anymore. Hope our 01 Sequoia will perform as well even with all its fancy stuff.

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  Prius or Civic Hybrid or a Honda Insight ? - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By fyler - December 17 - 6:02 am

  If you reading this, chances are, you are considering a hybrid and you are torn between a Prius, Civic Hybrid and a Honda Insight. Get the Prius. I used to be a Civic Hybrid and an Insight owner, the Honda IMA hybrid system is the worst and their MPG sucks. Before I get my Prius I owned a 2001 Insight (IMA light showed up at 78K mile), I also tried 2005, 2006 and 2008 Civic Hybrid and the MPG was 38 MPG at the best and again IMA battery issues before 100K miles. The 2008 Civic Hybrid interiors are comfier than the Prius (at least for me) but the space on the Prius is awesome if you haul stuff.The Prius Hybrid system is VERY reliable. The Prius is similar to a Camry or an Accord.

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  Toyota Quality. Hmmmm. - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By New2Toyota - December 14 - 8:53 pm

  I have had my 2008 V6 LE since end of December 07. LOVED it as soon as I test drove it on the highway. Comfortable, well designed, best car I have owned to date. In February I noticed the transmission not shifting appropriately - seems to have a delay when I need to start off from a dead stop, also has trouble regulating itself right afterward, shifting late. Dealership says they see nothing wrong. The radio reception disintegrates when the rear window defroster is turned on. Crossed wires?

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  my camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Silverpisces_2004 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an OK car for its value. The engine isnt that powerful. I havent had any major problems with my car so far. The handeling is good. The acceleration is ok, but when there are 4 people on board you can feel that the car is "working very hard" to run. The braking doesnt feel so well. The OE tires suck. The front bumber is too close to the ground; I always hit the curve when I park. The suspention is too soft. The interior is simple and cheap. The back seats are comfortable. The engine bay is ugly.

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  No Spare and Run Flats are Terrible! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By scmba - December 12 - 10:03 pm

  I love the van in every other way except: If you buy the AWD, consider that run flats: 1) Only last 20-22K miles. 2) Cost $1300 to replace (you must replace all 4 tires at once). 3) THERE is no SPARE - so if you have a "side" blow out of the tire, you cannot drive the car! 4) The runflats are very heavy and add to road noise and poorer gas milage. 5) Run flats are very hard to get - must wait days to get them (thus, cant drive vehicle) THEY DONt TELL YOU THIS WHEN YOU BUY THE CAR. Most dealerships dont know much about what spare fits in the van. Most Sienna message boards talk about how it costs $6-800 for a spare that makes your rear folding seat not fold-able. Bye.

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  I like the SE! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By pure_hp - December 12 - 10:30 am

  Its not the sportiest of the midsize vehicles but I do like the ground effects package on it with the 5 spoke alloys. Im constantly stuck in Atlanta traffic, yet, fairly comfortable with enough acceleration to keep up and pass whenever I feel the urge or get the chance. Just sitting in traffic isnt so bad either as the base sound system is above average. The car soaks up bumps well also. Its not an exhilirating vehicle but certainly a safe pick with a hint of "entertainment" with the SE model

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  Perfect (for me) - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hemonie - December 11 - 12:20 am

  Only truck Ive ever had that did EVERYTHING I asked of it. I bought it w/69,000 miles & after 5 yrs have just over 140,000. Replaced O2 sensors & cat converter outside of regular preventive maintenance. I routinely travel min maint & backroads, 50 miles of hwy/day of work, haul equipment/firewood, utilize 4WD, etc. Handles extremely well regardless of conditions. Fuel mileage is higher than acceptable given the demands I place on this truck. Tight cab even @ 9-10 yrs old, no rust. Outstanding truck! I dont have a family, but my dogs & I fit perfectly (not small dogs). Given the miles I drive for work & school, the weekend projects & dependability during inclement weather. I just love it!

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By don - December 9 - 9:33 pm

  I now have 67000 miles on my truck. It is my only vehicle and it has never failed me in over three years. I live in northern New Hampshire where winters can be pretty tough. I have had to only do the regular maintenance required. Before this I owned a Toyota Camry which I ran for nine years. My son still runs it and it has over 150000 miles. Ill stay with Toyota for the reasons noted above and for the resale value.

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  2002 bad valve guides, expensive! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By NANCY W - December 9 - 2:56 pm

  We bought this car new & expected to drive it 20 years. At about 100,000 miles valve guides are leaking oil and the estimate is $2,714.00 to fix it. Also front brakes are not that good for weight of car. We are considering selling it. We are really not happy with Toyota. They would not provide any compensation for an engine that should have had no major problems until at least 300,000 miles.

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  not a good start - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By lisaleeann - December 9 - 10:21 am

  I bought my first new car in 30 years 3 days ago. A Toyota Rav4, beautiful. I was happy. Wait. First, my contacts wouldnt load onto the bluetooth system although I have a perfectly acceptable android phone. Now, my car alarm is going off every twenty minutes. I finally had to take a battery cable off to get some sleep. Im worried...is this the joys of ownership?